Tool Control: A Detailed Guide to Keeping Inventory

Summary: Tool control is a pivotal control method that’s designed to keep each

It should come as no surprise that tool control affects safety. By simply leaving a tool inside an aircraft, you could potentially contribute to a major safety hazard. Now, because of this, most aircraft maintenance companies have now implements some type of tool control procedure. A tool control program like this can provide an assortment of benefits – the most important being safety. This article will discuss the how you can create an effective tool control policy.

A Brief Overview

Tool control is essentially a method to ensure that all maintenance tools are accounted for at the end of every maintenance task. Whether it’s for inspecting a simple gas turbine start up sequence or performing major repair, it’s crucial that every tool is where it should be before, during, and after the task at hand. The tool control process can be accomplished by having a central location for all the tools as to allow easy identification if any tools is missing.

Designated Spaces

By designating spaces for certain tools, it makes it easier for the technicians to determine if a tool is missing. If you have a makeshift toolroom environment, utilize both pegboards and hooks to hang and store everything in your arsenal.

Another way you can go about storing your tools is to shadow them, which involves cutting out spots for each tool and using a type of foam product that surrounds the shape of the tool. The single item is outlined and shaded, making it extremely easy for anyone to notice if something isn’t where it should be.

Mark for Identification

Various companies utilize a system where employees mark their tools. This provides a quick, streamlined way to identify who a tool belongs to if it is found. It’s also effective for accountability as each technician must carry a sense of responsibility while going through their maintenance tasks.

Keep Inventory

Inventory check should be accomplished on a regular, if not daily, basis so any missing tools can be quickly identified and searched for before it can have any impact on the safety of the pilots. This process can be done before each shift and after the day has ended. It’s an extremely simple checklist that when done correctly, will minimize the risk of any accidental injuries and damages.

Inspect Every Tool

One of the most underrated aspects of tool control is tool inspection. Each and every tool should be inspected before and after each use. As stated before, this is important for safety purposes but don’t forget about the status of the tools as well. Each tool should be in proper working order and no parts should be missing. Be sure to implement an optimal tool inspection system as it will prevent any tool from being left behind in a work area. For instance, let’s say you have a series of ground power units from Start Pac and want to keep everything in place. By ensuring that each ground power unit is stored in a specific place and kept in check by a written list, you can get an idea of where each unit is and whether it’s been checked out or not.